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How To Identify Black Tar Heroin?
Question: Hello,
I am extremely concerned about my 21 year old son. He had a serious auto accident last month and was charged with DUI and other charges. I do know that he seems to be drinking a lot. BUT, my main question has to do with what appears to be some sort of drug use in his room. I found a small baggie with a large, hard, lump of black stuff. I also found large helium balloons not inflated but with the very tips of them tied off with rubber band. Not the end of the balloon where you fill it with air. The bands are around the bottom tips. There are also quite a few pipes, all different kinds. I have heard of black tar heroin and hash oil or "shatter." I was able to cut a small piece of the black stuff off and read that if it is black tar heroin, it will disolve in water. It did. What does this sound like to you? What is up with the balloons and is it possible that the lump of hard black stuff isn't heroin but something else like a new form of marijuana? I am worried and sick beyond belief.
I am extremely concerned about my 21 year old son. He had a serious auto accident last month and was charged with DUI and other charges. I do know that he seems to be drinking a lot. BUT, my main question has to do with what appears to be some sort of drug use in his room. I found a small baggie with a large, hard, lump of black stuff. I also found large helium balloons not inflated but with the very tips of them tied off with rubber band. Not the end of the balloon where you fill it with air. The bands are around the bottom tips. There are also quite a few pipes, all different kinds. I have heard of black tar heroin and hash oil or "shatter." I was able to cut a small piece of the black stuff off and read that if it is black tar heroin, it will disolve in water. It did. What does this sound like to you? What is up with the balloons and is it possible that the lump of hard black stuff isn't heroin but something else like a new form of marijuana? I am worried and sick beyond belief.
Brief Answer:
This does sound concerning.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The things you listed such as the pipes are consistent with drug paraphernalia - and drugs. While I don't know the reason the balloons are tied at the "wrong" end, balloons are used for a few different purposes:
- inhaling nitrous oxide
- buying and selling heroin in set quantities
- transporting heroin in body cavities or swallowed
Regarding the black lump, if it is black tar heroin, that looks like a soft piece of coal, and is fairly homogeneous compared with most types of synthetic marijuana which looks more like oregano - more weedy.
I am very sorry you are finding these things. He will need some type of intervention and rehabilitation. And if he isn't being treated for the PTSD and maybe depression or anxiety already, he may need treatment for that as drug use is sometimes a form of self-medication to take away painful emotional symptoms.
I hope this helps.
This does sound concerning.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The things you listed such as the pipes are consistent with drug paraphernalia - and drugs. While I don't know the reason the balloons are tied at the "wrong" end, balloons are used for a few different purposes:
- inhaling nitrous oxide
- buying and selling heroin in set quantities
- transporting heroin in body cavities or swallowed
Regarding the black lump, if it is black tar heroin, that looks like a soft piece of coal, and is fairly homogeneous compared with most types of synthetic marijuana which looks more like oregano - more weedy.
I am very sorry you are finding these things. He will need some type of intervention and rehabilitation. And if he isn't being treated for the PTSD and maybe depression or anxiety already, he may need treatment for that as drug use is sometimes a form of self-medication to take away painful emotional symptoms.
I hope this helps.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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